Vehicular Assault Attorney in Pasadena, CA

Facing Vehicular Assault Charges in Pasadena? You’re Not Alone

If you have been charged with vehicular assault in Pasadena, you may feel overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty about your future. Legal challenges like this can put your job, relationships, and freedom at risk. The gravity of criminal charges is real, but you do not have to face them alone.

Our team at the Law Offices of Matthew Cargal understands the stress and confusion that comes with an arrest or investigation by the Pasadena Police Department. Every year, individuals from all walks of life learn they must defend themselves in court, often with little warning. We have guided hundreds of clients through the complexities of the Pasadena Courthouse, providing support and clarity at every stage.

When you reach out to us, you will meet directly with Attorney Matthew Cargal. Our practice emphasizes personal attention and strategic advocacy, so you always know your case is in capable hands. If you are searching for a vehicular assault attorney in Pasadena who listens, explains your options, and tailors a plan for your needs, we are ready to stand by your side.

When facing vehicular assault charges, speak with our trusted vehicular assault attorney in Pasadena today. Call (888) 717-0139 for a free, confidential consultation.

Understanding Vehicular Assault Charges Under California Law

Many people are surprised to learn that California does not have a statute specifically titled “vehicular assault.” Instead, prosecutors in Pasadena typically file these cases under California Penal Code § 245(a)(1), which covers assault with a deadly weapon. In these situations, the vehicle itself is alleged to be the “deadly weapon.”

In practical terms, a vehicular assault charge means the prosecution believes a driver used a car in a way that could have caused serious injury or death to another person. This does not require an actual collision or injury. The allegation may stem from aggressive driving, swerving toward someone, accelerating in a threatening manner, or similar conduct.

Because these cases rely heavily on interpretation—what the driver intended, how the vehicle was used, and whether harm was truly likely—having a skilled vehicular assault attorney in Pasadena is critical to challenging the charge.

Potential Penalties for Vehicular Assault in Pasadena

Vehicular assault is considered a “wobbler” offense in California. This means the prosecutor has discretion to file the case as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

Possible penalties may include:

• Misdemeanor vehicular assault
  • Up to one year in county jail
  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • Probation and other court conditions
• Felony vehicular assault
  • Up to four years in state prison
  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • Long-term consequences such as loss of firearm rights and a permanent felony record

If the alleged victim is a police officer or firefighter, the potential prison sentence can increase to five years.

Because the difference between a misdemeanor and felony charge can dramatically impact your future, early legal representation in Pasadena can make a meaningful difference in how the case is charged and resolved.

Related Charges Often Filed Alongside Vehicular Assault

In Pasadena vehicular assault cases, prosecutors frequently add additional charges based on the same incident. These related offenses can significantly increase exposure to jail or prison time.

Common charges tied to vehicular assault include:

• DUI or DUI causing injury
• Evading a police officer
• Felony reckless evading
• Evading causing injury or death
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
• Attempted murder
• Misdemeanor resisting arrest

Our defense strategy evaluates not only the vehicular assault allegation itself, but also whether related charges are legally justified—or whether they can be reduced or dismissed.

What the Prosecutor Must Prove in a Pasadena Vehicular Assault Case

To secure a conviction, the District Attorney must prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high legal standard, and many vehicular assault cases fail when evidence is closely examined.

The prosecution must show that:

• The defendant used a vehicle in a way that could directly strike another person
• The force involved was likely to cause great bodily injury
• The act was done willfully, not accidentally
• The defendant understood that their actions were likely to result in harmful contact

If even one of these elements cannot be proven, the charge may not stand. Attorney Cargal carefully reviews police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Common Defenses to Vehicular Assault Charges in Pasadena

Vehicular assault cases are often defensible, particularly when the facts are misinterpreted or exaggerated. Some of the most effective defenses include:

• Lack of Intent: Vehicular assault requires intentional conduct, not a mistake or momentary lapse. Fatigue, distraction, or an accidental maneuver—without intent to harm—may not meet the legal standard for assault.
• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If a driver acted to protect themselves or someone else from an imminent threat, the use of a vehicle may be legally justified. Pasadena juries can consider self-defense when credible evidence supports the claim.
• Act Unlikely to Cause Serious Harm: Not every use of a vehicle qualifies as a deadly weapon. If the circumstances show that the action was unlikely to cause injury to a person, the charge may be challenged.
• Insufficient Evidence: Dashcam footage, surveillance video, or unreliable witness accounts may undermine the prosecution’s version of events. We aggressively challenge weak or incomplete evidence.

Each defense strategy is tailored to the facts of the case and the realities of Pasadena court proceedings.

How Local Experience in Pasadena Strengthens Your Defense

Vehicular assault cases are prosecuted aggressively in Los Angeles County, including Pasadena. Familiarity with the Pasadena Courthouse, local prosecutors, and judicial expectations allows Attorney Cargal to anticipate how cases are handled and where negotiation or litigation opportunities exist.

Local knowledge matters when arguing motions, negotiating reductions, and presenting your case in a way that resonates with Pasadena judges and juries.

Why Choose Our Team for Your Vehicular Assault Defense

The attorney you select matters, especially when the stakes are high. At our firm, every client works personally with Attorney Cargal. You will not be shuffled off to a junior lawyer or left with unanswered questions. Our pledge is to give you direct access to a defender with decades of experience in Pasadena’s courts.

Attorney Cargal has spent over 25 years focusing on criminal defense, particularly cases involving DUI, vehicular assault, and related violent crimes within Pasadena and Los Angeles County. This local experience means we know how prosecutors operate, what the Pasadena Courthouse requires, and how to craft arguments that resonate with local judges. Our practice stays up to date on legal changes in California that can impact cases like yours.

Here’s why clients choose us for vehicular assault criminal defense in Pasadena:

• Direct access and personal attention from Attorney Matthew Cargal
• Focused experience defending hundreds of criminal cases in Pasadena courts
• Legal strategies developed for each client’s real situation, not generic templates
• Knowledge of court procedures, prosecutors, and defense opportunities unique to Pasadena

If you want a vehicular assault lawyer in Pasadena who brings commitment, skill, and honest communication to every meeting, we would be privileged to represent you.

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged With Vehicular Assault

Taking the right first steps after being charged can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Your actions now may help protect your rights and set the foundation for a solid defense.

Take these immediate steps if you are facing vehicular assault charges in Pasadena:

• Avoid making statements without counsel. Anything you say to police, detectives, or others may be used against you. Wait until you have consulted with your attorney before discussing the incident.
• Contact an experienced vehicular assault defense lawyer in Pasadena promptly. Early intervention matters. The Pasadena Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office can act quickly, so having a legal advocate in your corner early on improves your defense options.
• Gather any paperwork or evidence connected to your case. If you have accident reports, photos, or witness information, provide these to your attorney and do not share them with anyone else.
• Appear at all court appointments, including arraignment at Pasadena Courthouse. Missing a required appearance can result in additional penalties or a warrant for your arrest. The Pasadena Courthouse is the main venue for these cases.

We are here to help you navigate these first, uncertain steps. Our role includes answering your questions, clarifying local procedures, and working to protect your rights from the outset. With our team, you never have to face this process alone.

What Can Happen After an Arrest?

The consequences depend on whether your charge is classified as a felony or a misdemeanor, whether injury was involved, your driving history, and other variables. The District Attorney’s Office considers many factors when determining what charges to file. Every case is unique, which is why our approach adapts to your needs and the realities of Pasadena’s court system.

How We Defend Your Rights

We analyze police procedures, challenge questionable evidence, and look for ways that legal mistakes or technology errors may benefit your defense. Sometimes, negotiation with local prosecutors results in reduced charges or alternative consequences, such as probation or community programs. Dismissals and reductions have been achieved for past clients when preparation, timing, and advocacy align.

Our record shows that early legal intervention in Pasadena vehicular assault cases can increase the likelihood of a positive result. While outcomes are never promised, our experience helps us guide you toward the best options available for your situation.

Understanding the Legal Process in Pasadena Vehicular Assault Cases

For many people, the legal system in Pasadena feels like a maze. Understanding each step can relieve some of the anxiety that comes with an unknown process.

What to Expect at Each Stage

Vehicular assault cases typically begin with an arrest by the Pasadena Police Department or California Highway Patrol, followed by formal charges and arraignment at the Pasadena Courthouse. You will be advised of your rights and given the chance to enter a plea. The judge then sets future court dates for hearings, motions, or trial. Attorney Cargal stands with you at every appearance, explains what’s coming next, and helps prepare you for each stage. Our familiarity with the Pasadena courthouse, prosecutors, and the steps ahead ensures you are never left in the dark.

Our Approach to Communication & Collaboration

Throughout your case, we communicate regularly, offer guidance you can trust, and adjust our strategy as your case develops. We strive to take the fear out of the process and put expert support behind your defense.

Contact Our Pasadena Vehicular Assault Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with vehicular assault, do not wait to protect your future. We offer confidential consultations with Attorney Matthew Cargal so you get answers fast and can start planning your next steps. Our practice is built on direct access—you always deal with a dedicated vehicular assault attorney in Pasadena, not a staff member or paralegal.

With more than 25 years defending clients in Pasadena on criminal and DUI charges, we understand the urgency and concerns you are facing. Our team removes obstacles, addresses your worries, and makes sure you have the support you need at a critical time.

Call The Law Offices of Matthew Cargal at (888) 717-0139 now for a free confidential consultation and speak with Attorney Cargal directly.